Radio

Blunder puts election promises in doubt

The Townsville Mayor says some of her election promises are in doubt after it was revealed the council's budget is up to $5 million in the red.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill says population growth has not been as high as predicted by the previous council, meaning rates revenue is lower than expected.

She says that has cast doubt over her election promises to return this financial year's budget to surplus and to freeze rates.

Councillor Hill says community anger is inevitable.

"The task is a little bit difficult now compared to what it was previously, it throws a whole new complexion on constructing the budget but it means I cannot guarantee a surplus," she said.

She says there is a deficit of between $3 million to $5 million.

"I think there will be some anger from people for the fact that they were deceived over the election period, they were told that one group was more fiscally responsible than the other and in reality, that's not the case," she said.